22 June 2024 , 06:30
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Fans of the world's hairiest family have flooded them with support after they were cruelly trolled.
In a video on Facebook, Guinness World Records (GWR) reintroduced the public to the Gomez family, who hold the title of largest hairy family in the world due to an extremely rare health condition.
Victor “Larry” Gomez, Gabriel “Danny” Ramos Gomez, Luisa Lilia De Lira Aceves and Jesus Manuel Fajardo Aceves, are originally from Mexico and form part of a clan spanning five generations.
The four family members are impacted by congenital generalised hypertrichosis (CGH), a genetic condition characterised by excessive hair growth.
And, as is often the way with social media, they were sent some vile messages in the comments section.
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Four family members are impacted by congenital generalised hypertrichosis (CGH), a condition characterised by excessive hair growth (Guinness World Records /Instagram)One viewer wrote: “Proof we are related to our supposed cousins? Is this family the bridge?” Meanwhile, another shockingly made reference to a hairy Star Wars character: "Relation of Chewbacca?" And a third commented: “I wonder if his barber charge him extra or double for a transformation.”
But their fans soon rushed to their defence, saying "just because they're a little different doesn't matter".
"It's what's in their heart is all that counts," another supporter wrote. Someone else said: "Just lovely and hope they are happy." Meanwhile, a third added: "I think it’s pretty awesome! Very unique!"
And another supporter heaped praise on the "beautiful" children, remarking that the "girl has such beautiful eyes and smile". Whilea. fifth came up with an apt pun: "I see a very happy couple. Love is in the hair.”
The most prominent aspect of the CGH, which can first present at birth and gradually develop over the years, is thick facial and torso hair.
A 2009 report, however, indicates that CGH is so rare that “fewer than 100 cases (were) documented in news reports and the scientific literature," something that the Gomez family were clearly keen to learn more about.
The Gomez family are originally from Mexico and form part of a clan spanning five generations (Yuri Cortez/AFP/Getty Images)CGH is hereditary and also associated with "mild facial abnormalities", according to the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. These can include nasal openings, jaw protrusion, teeth anomalies and deafness.
GWR wrote that in addition to the physical differences, Larry faced difficulties with bullying and was subjected to cruel name-calling when he was growing up.
He has learned to love his appearance over the years, having worked in the Mexican National Circus and starred in films. Larry, who lives in San Bernardino, California, is a proficient acrobat, trapeze artist and juggler.
Taking control of the narrative, he also adopted the name “Wolf Man” after the 1941 film of the same title, as 98% of his body is covered in hair. He said: "Being one of the hairiest guys in the world makes me special, and I’m famous too."
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